Quality of Life (QOL) was assessed using the SF-36 (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey; QualityMetric, Lincoln, RI), MCS subscale. The SF-36 is a self-administered general health-related quality of life scale with 36 items. The MCS subscale has been shown to be responsive in psychoactive drug trials. The score range is 0-100.

To determine whether low does of the α2A-adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine can improve deficits in prefrontally-mediated working memory and executive control functions, in healthy elderly subjects. Subjects will be randomly assigned to receive placebo or guanfacine at one of two dose levels: 0.1 mg, or 0.5 mg daily at bedtime in double-blind fashion for twelve weeks.

Secondary:

To determine whether guanfacine can favorably influence global status and quality of life (QOL) in healthy elderly subjects.

To determine whether low-dose guanfacine is safe and well-tolerated in healthy elderly subjects.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

75 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Subjects enrolled will be nondemented, male and female individuals who meet the following inclusion criteria:

Impairment of visual or auditory acuity sufficient to interfere with completion of study procedures

Education level < 6 years

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00935493